Dusky Gopher Frogs Are Making a Comeback in Mississippi
Dusky Gopher Frogs Are Making a Comeback in Mississippi
Fewer than 100 dusky gopher frogs were known to remain. Thanks to some very dedicated humans, numbers are now on the rise.
Read the full article on NY Times Science
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article appears mostly accurate, stating that the dusky gopher frog population is increasing in Mississippi due to conservation efforts. There is a slight positive slant towards conservation efforts, but overall the reporting seems objective. The claim about the population size being fewer than 100 previously is difficult to verify precisely with the provided sources, but the general trend of population increase is supported.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Fewer than 100 dusky gopher frogs were known to remain.
- Assessment: Unverified. While the sources confirm the frog is endangered and conservation efforts are underway, none of the provided sources explicitly state the exact number of fewer than 100. This claim is plausible given the endangered status, but cannot be directly verified with the provided sources.
- Claim: Thanks to some very dedicated humans, numbers are now on the rise.
- Verification Source #2: “Rearing and releasing frogs is having a positive effect on them.
- Verification Source #3: The dusky gopher frog is making a [comeback].
- Assessment: Supported. Source 2 indicates that rearing and releasing programs are having a positive effect. Source 3 states the frog is making a comeback.
- Claim: Dusky Gopher Frogs are making a comeback in Mississippi
- Verification Source #1: He found a breeding population of the dusky gopher frog at a pond on the De Soto National Forest in Mississippi.
- Verification Source #2: In Mississippi, program bolsters population of critically endangered frog
- Verification Source #3: The dusky gopher frog is making a [comeback].
- Assessment: Supported. Multiple sources (1, 2, and 3) confirm the presence of the frog in Mississippi and indicate that programs are in place to bolster the population, suggesting a comeback.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 2: “Rearing and releasing frogs is having a positive effect on them.
- Source 3: The dusky gopher frog is making a [comeback].